Trial Put On Hold to Address Proposed Evidence Exhibits

By Adriana Marroquin , Rachel Benck [former] - February 28, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On Feb. 27, the jury trial for six defendants charged in a fatal drive-by shooting was put on hold, so counsel could discuss issues with proposed exhibits from the prosecution. 

Gregory Taylor, 26, Quentin Michals, 25, Qujuan Thomas, 24, Darrise Jeffers, 23, Isaiah Murchison, 22, and Marquell Cobbs, 21, are charged with first-degree murder, criminal street gang affiliation, conspiracy, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill, and other charges regarding a fatal drive-by shooting that resulted in the death of 10-year-old Makiyah Wilson. The shooting took place on the 300 block of 53rd Street, NE on July 16, 2018.

The prosecution attempted to admit data from the defendants Instagram accounts as evidence of the conspiracy charge. This data includes direct messages, comments, captions, and pictures posted and reposted by the defendants.

According to the prosecution’s argument, the defendants used slang in direct messages that they believe were code for various firearm types. Additionally, the prosecution argued that the defendants used an alleged gang vanity name in numerous Instagram posts around the time of the incident.

The defense attorneys, though arguing on behalf of their respective clients, echoed the same idea, saying the slang used could be interpreted in several different ways – not only for nefarious activity. 

“Hanging out” with your neighborhood friends does not equate to criminal gang activity, defense attorney Sellano Simmons said. The remaining defense attorneys joined the argument, saying the evidence could be interpreted either way.

Judge Okun said he did not believe the prosecution had been able to prove, with the exhibits, that the defendants had conspired in the crime. However, Judge Okun said there is some non-hearsay evidence that may be admissible. He said he would be postponing his ruling to take time to look at the evidence in more depth. 

Depending on this decision, the prosecution’s lineup of witnesses for the week could be derailed. The prosecution said the number of witnesses testifying would not be known until hours before the trial resumes. 

Judge Okun, with guidance from the US Marshals, also rejected a request for Thomas and Taylor to have the privilege of having physical contact with their children when they come into court. ”Rules are rules,” the Marshal told the judge, explaining that no one from the audience is allowed to have contact with apprehended individuals. 

Trial is scheduled to resume on Feb. 28.